updates from 38 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk Contact BCAS at Tel: 020 7935 2464 e-mail: info@bcas.org.uk website: www.bcas.org.uk This latest energy-saving guide will share a range of top maintenance tips to improve energy efficiency and ensure reliable operation. Energy saving is a priority for every operator in the current climate – especially when it comes to the costefficient operation of compressed air systems. Long-running hours and harsh operating conditions can all contribute to higher costs – and greater wear and tear. BCAS recommends that businesses prioritise the importance of an effective compressed air maintenance regime. Maintaining the system correctly will guarantee reliable operation, whilst also ensuring improved energy performance. Team members from BCAS are always on hand to maintain compressors, downstream and ancillary equipment to ensure the compressed air system is running as smoothly as possible. Alongside professional checks, there are also ways you can help to improve the compressed air system maintenance regime and reduce energy costs. Step 1 – Location is key Positioning compressors in a dry, clean and cool location is advised. It is essential for this to be in a space that is wellventilated, and operators could also consider investing in extra ventilation too. This will ensure that the compressor Time to get your air compressor running like clockwork? room is as close to ambient temperature as possible. Step 2 – It’s all in the system Although a compressed air system is a sophisticated piece of engineering, in its basic form it is a ‘system’. All systems, in any form, require regular maintenance to help ensure performance is maximised. Experts recommend that operators inspect regularly for air leaks in the pipework, as even the smallest leak can lead to significant energy loss. These simple checks should be added to the weekly maintenance regime for improved performance. It’s also important to check inlet filters and replace routinely to avoid pressure drops. Step 3 – Maintain your maintenance Finally, it is good to ensure that system is maintained regularly to run at optimum efficiency. It’s about being ‘proactive’ rather than ‘reactive’ in regard to a machine breakdown – identifying potential problems before they become major concerns. A routine maintenance programme will be sure to save time, energy and money in the long term. BCAS members offer a range of maintained services to allow for the system to run to the best of its ability. Top tips BCAS recommends using genuine spare parts. These will be designed based on the specific air compressor make and model, so will offer the best performance over other alternatives. Choosing genuine spare parts will also help to save time and money, as other less high-quality parts could lead to equipment failure and increased energy consumption. The benefits The benefits of a full and effective maintenance regime are many and varied. The compressed air system should function much more efficiently and will likely help operators avoid unplanned outages and downtime. And of course, by putting a maintenance plan in place, businesses can avoid unnecessary energy loss through poorly performing equipment, helping combat rising energy costs. For more information, please speak to a BCAS member who can assist in this area by emailing enquiries@bcas.org.uk or visit: www.bcas.org.uk The team at BCAS offers advice on ensuring a compressed air system is running at maximum efficiency – helping to combat rising electricity costs.
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